EA Technology UTL2 User manual
UltraTEV Locator Probe Operating Manual
Model Number: UTL2
Version: V01.03.00
Date: July 2021
EA Technology Limited, Capenhurst Technology Park, Capenhurst, Chester, CH1 6ES, UK
Tel: +44 (0)151 339 4181 http://www.eatechnology.com
Registered in England number 256631
EA Technology UltraTEV Locator Probe Operating Manual 2852-MANUL-V01.03.00
EA Technology UltraTEV Locator Probe Operating Manual 2852-MANUL-V01.03.00
Safety Precautions and Procedures
The UltraTEV Plus² and Locator probe are designed to detect partial discharge sources in High
Voltage (HV) Plant.
If no discharges are detected, this does not necessarily imply that an item of HV Plant is discharge
free. Discharge sites often have dormant periods and insulation structures can fail through causes
other than those attributable to partial discharges.
If discharges of considerable magnitude are detected in plant that is connected directly to the high
voltage power system, the authority responsible for the plant should be notified.
Warnings
•The UltraTEV Plus² and Locator probe are designed for use at ground potential only.
•When testing electrical plant ensure that the metalwork is earthed before applying the
UltraTEV Plus² and Locator probe.
•Maintain safety clearances between structures at high voltage and the instrument and the
operator at all times.
•Adhere strictly to local safety procedures.
•Do not make measurements when there are electrical storms in the vicinity.
•Do not make measurements immediately following the energisation of a circuit.
•Do not disturb plant during measurements either mechanically e.g. by shaking or striking
it, electrically e.g. by increasing the voltage or physically e.g. by applying heat.
•Do not operate the instrument or its accessories in an explosive atmosphere.
EA Technology UltraTEV Locator Probe Operating Manual 2852-MANUL-V01.03.00
Contents
1. General Description ......................................................................................................................................1
1.1 The UltraTEV Locator Probe ....................................................................................... 1
1.2 Non-Intrusive Detection of Partial Discharge Activity ................................................. 2
2. Preparations for use .....................................................................................................................................3
2.1 Connecting the Locator probe to the UltraTEV Plus² .................................................. 3
2.2 Calibrate.................................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Locator probe Function Check ................................................................................... 5
3. Operating Instructions ................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Locator Mode ............................................................................................................ 7
3.2 Locator Advanced Mode .......................................................................................... 10
4. Technical Specification ............................................................................................................................. 13
4.1 General.................................................................................................................... 13
4.2 Environmental ......................................................................................................... 13
4.3 Accessories and Options ......................................................................................... 13
5. Declaration of Conformity ...................................................................................................................... 14
6. Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................. 14
7. Warranty Policy ............................................................................................................................................ 14
8. Calibration ..................................................................................................................................................... 16
9. Repair .............................................................................................................................................................. 16
10. Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) .................................................... 16
11. Continuous Improvement........................................................................................................................ 16
12. Contact Us...................................................................................................................................................... 17
13. Record of Changes ..................................................................................................................................... 18
EA Technology UltraTEV Locator Probe Operating Manual 2852-MANUL-V01.03.00
Page 1 of 19
1. General Description
1.1 The UltraTEV Locator Probe
The Locator probe is used in conjunction with
the UltraTEV Plus² to further locate TEV
activity, detected during a routine PD survey
of substation assets.
The Locator probe adds a second TEV sensor
to the UltraTEV Plus2. Both TEV sensors listen
for TEV pulses, and when they both detect
pulses they calculate the difference in arrival
time. The standard Locator mode shows
which probe detected the signal first,
indicating the source is closer to that probe.
In some cases of PD, such as when multiple
sources are present, it can be useful to have
more information than which probe is closer
to the source. For such cases the Locator
Advanced Mode provides additional
information in the form of a histogram which
can be used to accurately assess the live data.
This live data can be used to locate multiple
sources at the same time.
The Locator probe is supplied in its own carry
case which can be attached to the top or bottom
of the UltraTEV Plus² carry case, by rotating the
blue T-lock.
TEV Sensor
Magnet
Power Indicator
Down
Up
Level
Cable to UltraTEV Plus²
EA Technology UltraTEV Locator Probe Operating Manual 2852-MANUL-V01.03.00
Page 2 of 19
1.2 Non-Intrusive Detection of Partial Discharge Activity
Partial discharges are electric discharges that do not completely bridge the electrodes. The
magnitude of such discharges is usually small however they do cause progressive deterioration of
insulation that may lead to eventual failure.
Non-intrusive partial discharge detection provides a means for identifying these potential sources
of insulation failure that result not only in loss of supply to customers but can also endanger staff.
A partial discharge emits energy in the following ways:
Electromagnetic:
•Radio
•Light
•Heat
Acoustic:
•Audio
•Ultrasonic
Gases:
•Ozone
•Nitrous oxides
The most practical techniques for non-intrusive testing are based on the detection of the radio
frequency part of the electromagnetic spectrum and ultrasonic emissions. The UltraTEV range has
been specifically developed to enable electromagnetic and ultrasonic activity to be detected in a
single simple to use instrument.
Airborne Ultrasonic Discharge Activity
Acoustic emission from partial discharge activity occurs over the whole acoustic spectra. Audible
detection is possible but depends on the hearing ability of the individual. Using an instrument to
detect the ultrasonic part of the acoustic spectra has several advantages. Instruments are more
sensitive than the human ear, are not operator dependent and operating above the audible frequency
are more directional.
The most sensitive method of detection is using an airborne ultrasonic microphone centred at 40
kHz. This method is very successful at detecting partial discharge activity provided there is an air
passage between the source and the microphone.
Electromagnetic Discharge Activity
When partial discharge activity occurs within high voltage switchgear it generates electromagnetic
waves in the radio frequency range which can only escape from the inside of the switchgear through
openings in the metal casing. These openings may be air gaps around covers, or gaskets, or other
insulating components. When the electromagnetic wave propagates outside the switchgear it also
impinges on the metal casing of the switchgear producing a transient in the earth potential. The
Transient Earth Voltage (TEV) is only a few millivolts and lasts only a short time with a rise time of a
few nanoseconds.
EA Technology UltraTEV Locator Probe Operating Manual 2852-MANUL-V01.03.00
Page 3 of 19
2. Preparations for use
2.1 Connecting the Locator probe to the UltraTEV Plus²
The Locator probe has a fixed 2m cable and a 6m extension cable for a maximum location range of
8 metres. The Locator probe is plugged directly into the UltraTEV Plus² accessory port. When the
Locator probe is connected, the UltraTEV Plus² will automatically program the Locator probe with
the correct version of firmware. This process takes between 2 and 4 seconds. When the Locator
probe is ready to use, the Power Indicator will illuminate red.
EA Technology UltraTEV Locator Probe Operating Manual 2852-MANUL-V01.03.00
Page 4 of 19
2.2 Calibrate
Each time a Locator probe is connected to an UltraTEV Plus², it will need to be calibrated to the
UltraTEV Plus².
With the Locator probe connected to the UltraTEV Plus², select Locator/Locator Advanced Mode and
follow the on screen instructions.
EA Technology UltraTEV Locator Probe Operating Manual 2852-MANUL-V01.03.00
Page 5 of 19
2.3 Locator probe Function Check
The Locator probe function check is designed to allow users to verify the functionality of their
instrument using an in built test source. From the Main Menu, navigate to Function Check then
toggle on the Locator Test Source and navigate back to the Locator Advanced screen. Hold the
Locator probe and the UltraTEV Plus2together (TEV plate to TEV plate), the Locator Advanced screen
will show the histogram peak on the left hand side of 0, closest to the Locator probe, as shown
below:
Function Check Menu
Function Check in Locator Advanced Screen
Do not take measurements with the test source turned on.
The Calibrate process and Function Check are not a substitute for annual factory
calibration.
EA Technology UltraTEV Locator Probe Operating Manual 2852-MANUL-V01.03.00
Page 6 of 19
3. Operating Instructions
It is recommended, but not required, that during locating, the user holds the UltraTEV Plus2in their
right hand and the Locator probe in their left hand, so the trigger levels and indicators are on the
correct sides of the UltraTEV Plus² screen. When locating across larger distances, the Locator probe
can be attached to the switchgear using the magnet which is located behind the TEV plate at the top
of the probe. The Locator probe should be placed on the switchgear in a vertical position, to allow
correct fixing of the magnet.
The Locator Probe and UltraTEV Plus² should be used 10cm or more apart, to allow
discrimination between the two probes.
Table of contents
Other EA Technology Measuring Instrument manuals
